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UW Education, Diversity and Community in the Galapagos Islands

Waves are crashing onto the beach. The sky is clear and some greenery is near the beach.
Classroom exterior with the backpacks of students lining the outside wall.
View of Santa Cruz from the coast. The buildings are colorful and close together. There is a large boat in the foreground.
Marina of Santa Cruz with a large sign marking the island.
Zoomed in view of vibrant fabrics with detailed patterns

Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

Looking for a new way to explore and understand the Galapagos? Instead of seeing the islands as an "undisturbed paradise" from a tourist or conservationist perspective, dig deeper to expand your understanding of children and families through the diverse educational institutions on the Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands.

This 3 1/2 week summer program will examine the educational institutions in Quito, Ecuador as well as on two islands of the Galapagos: San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. Online pre-departure modules will focus on readings and reports to prepare you for your time in the Galapagos Islands.  During the 2 1/2 weeks in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, you will participate in school visits and meetings with stakeholders in educational and environmental fields, as well as diverse children and families. Through this immersive learning, you will begin to understand the diversity of communities who live in a protected area/national park. This program will address three guiding questions:

1. What is the role of schools in protecting the Galapagos environment?
2. How does the sociocultural and linguistic history of Galapagos and its' diverse communities impact conservation efforts?
3. How is the national science curriculum adapted to respond to diverse Galapagueño children and families?

Your Program Leader will be Assistant Professor Diego Román from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

1. Examine different conceptualizations of diversity in education as these conceptualizations pertain to educational policy and practice

2. Apply conceptualizations of diversity to the diverse Galapagueño children and families (i.e., as a social ecosystem) and explore its implications for educational practice

3. Demonstrate an understanding of how Galapagueños adapt a nationalized interdisciplinary curriculum that builds on the sociocultural and ecological diversity of the Galapagos Islands, based on social scientific issues of collective concern

4. Demonstrate knowledge of language ideologies and how they shape notions of linguistic diversity in curriculum adaptation and development

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Preference is given to students in the School of Education (all majors).  Further preference is given to students with a declared Curriculum and Instruction major (Elementary Education, Communication Sciences and Disorders).  Preference may be given to students with a declared Curriculum and Instruction minor or certificate (Health Education, Game Design, Arts and Teaching, Preparing to Teach Abroad).
  • First-Year students must have 2 semesters completed by the time of participation (the preceding Fall and Spring semesters)
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Prior Spanish language knowledge is encouraged, but not required.

  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Education, LACIS

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels, Local Hosts

Program Duration

Summer 2026: 3.5 weeks (1 week online, June 22 - July 12 in Ecuador)

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 2/6/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Your school visits will focus on four schools - one school in Quito and three schools in the Galapagos. Repeated visits to these linguistically diverse schools and communities will allow for a deeper understanding of teaching and learning in the Galapagos archipelago.

While knowledge of the Spanish language is not required to participate on the program and your course will be taught in English, please note that throughout your time in the Galapagos you may be in a setting where only the indigenous or Spanish languages are spoken.  

Students will receive 3 credits of either Curriculum and Instruction 375, Environmental Studies 402 or Community and Environmental Sociology 400 upon completion of the program.

 

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Your Program Leader will be Assistant Professor Diego Román from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education.